Septic user he 500 gallon tank, concrete, long runs, leech
field about 50' long out back by woods.

Two years isn't necessarily a bad time between cleanouts. Some
recommend it be done yearly. You -can- get much longer times
between cleanings, but in order to do that, you need to educate
yourself on septic tank usage and preventive maintenance, which
really is very simply and not more than using the right product
now and then. We haven't had to have our tank pumped now going
on 11 years. Another way to read that is, since the kids left
home g!

Go to your favorite search engine site (I use google.com) and do
a search for "septic tank operation" (using the quotes), and
you'll be able to learn lots about them.
Lots of info online about them.

HTH,

Pop



"Robert11" wrote in message
...
Hello,

Have two questions, please.

Live in a house that has two separate septic systems. They are
changed over from one to the other via a small junction box
located after the tank where the solid wastes are collected,
and pumped out periodically.

a. The system now in use is a "pit," (I don't think that they
are in use or approved any more for new construction ?)
although I'm sure it has a fancier name. Goes vertically into
the ground, is precast concrete I think, and has many holes for
the water to leach out. About two years ago it stopped leaching
very well, and the contractor that came used a high pressure
pump and wand to try and clean out the inside of it. Also many
pounds of chemicals. Worked O.K. up until now.

So, since the chemicals and high pressure was didn't work all
that well, two years not being a very long time, what should I
do now ?

Is there such a thing as a steam cleaning of the inside,
assuming that this is where the problem is, or is most likely
that the ground around the pit is all clogged up ? I would
imagine that a steram cleaning, if there is such a process and
treatment, would be much more effectivce.

Or, should I just go to the other system, which is a typical
leaching bed.

b. But the other system hasn't been used in probably 10 years
by now.
I would imagine that the porous pipes are by now all filled
with dirt.
Is this likely ?

Is the soil "bed" likely to rejuvunate itself after about 10
years ?
How should they be cleaned if I do changeover ? Steam, or... ?

Any and all suggestions would be most appreciated.

Much thanks,